- With all the buzz surrounding artificial intelligence, more schools are now creating degrees focused on AI.
- According to Indeed.com, the rise of AI-focused associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs means companies are in short supply of this talent, with half of the highest-paying skills in technology focused on AI. It’s because I’m here.
- However, this is not an entirely new phenomenon, as data shows that the number of degrees awarded in AI has increased rapidly over the past decade, and fundamental fundamentals in computer science, mathematics, and engineering remain important.
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Computer science is not a new major at top schools, but the growing demand for AI-related jobs has led to a growing list of universities offering four-year “AI” degrees in particular.
These programs typically go beyond the basics of computer science and focus on topics such as machine learning, computing algorithms, data analysis, and advanced robotics. The University of Pennsylvania recently announced that it will begin its BSE program in artificial intelligence in the fall of 2024. Carnegie Mellon University introduced his program in fall 2018, long before Gen AI became a buzzword, and MIT’s program began in his fall 2022. Purdue University offers his AI department, while many universities offer his AI classes within their computer science departments, even if they don’t have a dedicated major.
The rise of AI-specific degree programs comes as companies face a shortage of talent in this rapidly evolving field. According to employment website Indeed.com, half of the highest-paid skills in technology are focused on AI. Still, there is some skepticism about the applicability of his four-year degree specializing in AI, given how quickly technology is changing. But supporters argue that a focus on AI could be a boon for resume building, as long as the program is steeped in computer science and other fundamentals.
Here’s what students, their parents, and anyone looking to go back to school for a new career need to know about the four-year AI degree.
STEM fundamentals remain important
Students seeking an AI degree should look for programs that teach fundamental information such as computer science concepts, statistics, mathematics, and engineering, laying the foundation for a career in an AI-related field, says CEO Kerem Koka. said the CEO. BlueCloud is a cloud service provider. While the technology itself is changing, these core foundations remain the same and can prepare students for success even as the underlying technology changes, he said.
“AI degrees and other educational training programs not only focus on specific skill development, but also help you learn how to learn, including developing intellectual curiosity and skills such as leadership, communication, and critical thinking.” “It’s important to focus on the future,” Maria Flynn, president and CEO of Jobs for the Future, an organization focused on worker opportunity and education, said in an email. Ta.
AI degrees have exploded since 2011
There are a number of different AI-focused programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, with an increasing number of programs and degrees offered for over a decade.
According to the Georgetown University Center for Security and Emerging Technologies, degrees in AI have bucked the general trend in education since 2011, with positive growth in the number of degrees awarded in all degree fields. This is a negative growth. In particular, AI-related degree awards have grown even faster than STEM degrees as a general category at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The report, which examined government data and other sources on the higher education market, said the growth in AI degree awards has been “dramatic,” increasing by 120% since 2011 at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. There is.
Some students may be interested in the fact that some schools, such as Miami Dade College, offer AI as an associate degree.
The relevance of education in a rapidly changing technology market
Given the fast-moving market and the fact that more and more employers are willing to hire people without a degree if they have the right skills for the job, it makes you wonder if you even need a degree at all. There may be some students.
However, recent research suggests that the practice of hiring people without degrees is inadequate, with research from the Ladders career site showing that most high-paying jobs, including software engineering, still require a degree. It is important to note that it has been shown that
For most people entering the job market for the first time, a four-year degree remains a big step up, said Celeste Groopman, CEO of Dataquest, which provides AI-related materials and labs to universities. He said that. “This is still one of the first things employers consider. It won’t disqualify you, but it could disqualify you if you don’t.”
Still, several providers, such as Dataquest and Coursera, offer certification programs that allow learners to quickly build skills. These programs may be suitable for students who lack the time and resources to complete a four-year program, or those who already have a degree and are looking to upskill, Groopman said. said. Using the online platform, students can immediately start building projects and understand how to properly implement these tools for employment purposes.
AI vs. Computer Science
It is important for students to think critically about the curriculum of the program they are considering, how it differs from the standard computer science curriculum, the expected career trajectory of the program’s graduates, and the financial outcomes of graduates. “Anyone can incorporate ‘AI’ into existing products, as seen in product marketing. Students should ask what aspects of AI they will learn,” Flynn says.
It is also important for students to think carefully about what they want. Are you looking for a program that provides exposure to AI or hands-on experience using AI, or are you looking for a technical program that offers foundational content and courses on AI technology? Flynn said students should consider whether they want relevant skills and knowledge to break into the industry, or whether they want a broader degree that can serve as a foundation for long-term advancement.
“If you’re an architect, you don’t need a hammer degree. You want to understand hammer, you want to understand zoning, and you want to understand how to build a home that your family can thrive in. The same thing applies. In the field of AI ” said Nicole Bradford, executive in residence for artificial and human intelligence at SHRM, an organization for human resources professionals.
How to get an edge over your employer
Some employers may view an AI-focused degree more favorably than a run-of-the-mill computer science degree, says the chief executive of WITI, an organization for technology-minded professionals. David Layton said. “I think that’s what sets them apart.”
On the other hand, no one knows for now what the value of such a degree will be in a few years. “If you had an Internet degree in 2000 and something like that existed, it would have looked great,” Coca said. “Nowadays, this may not be so true. But in 2002, if you had it, you could have gotten a job anywhere. The same could be said for an AI degree.”
Given the uncertainty, some experts say students can’t go wrong with a traditional computer science degree or an AI-focused degree, as long as the basics are covered. However, those who take the former route should consider taking classes related to AI and data science, which could be important for future employment. Otherwise, students may have to “fill the real-world application gap themselves after graduation,” Brian Ackerman, head of AI strategy and transformation at management consultancy Korn Ferry, said in an email. .
